Strike warning in Swedish ports and the conflict between Pakistan and India

Ongoing labor negotiations between the involved parties have stalled, prompting the Swedish Dockworkers’ Union and the Transport Workers’ Union to announce industrial action affecting all Swedish ports.

Sveriges Hamnar, which is responsible for the central labor negotiations, is actively working to find a solution that accommodates all parties.

What Does This Mean?

• The Dockworkers’ Union has announced a six-hour strike on May 21 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in all Swedish ports, along with additional strikes at certain port companies between May 21 and May 26.
• The Transport Workers’ Union has declared a blockade affecting overtime work and the hiring of temporary personnel starting May 21 in all Swedish ports.
• Sveriges Hamnar is leading the negotiations centrally and working towards a solution that benefits all stakeholders.

We hope that a resolution is reached that satisfies all parties and ultimately prevents a strike.

Pakistan and India

The serious conflict that escalated at the end of April between Pakistan and India has temporarily subsided with a ceasefire agreement between the nations.

The situation has affected the shipping industry, with swift new directives and regulations imposed by both countries. For instance, vessels carrying cargo from Pakistan are now barred from docking at Indian ports, forcing shipping companies to immediately reroute established schedules and operational routes.

As a result, shipping companies are now implementing a temporary fee, the Emergency Operation Surcharge (EOS), on all shipments to and from Pakistan to and from Europe, the United States, and Africa, as well as shipments between Pakistan, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent. This surcharge applies to all cargo with a departure date of May 19 and will remain in effect until further notice.

We regret this situation but hope for your understanding, as it is beyond our control.

Best regards,

FMS Sweden.